The Bradenton Herald

School Board to Vote on Impromptu Tax Hike at Tonight's Meeting

BRADENTON – After months of budget negotiations that seemed to finally be resolved, Thursday’s ad in the Bradenton Herald baffled many readers when it proposed to raise the millage rate for the school district; the same hike voters rejected in November. The new increase of .748 would bring the total rate to 7.960 -- taking it to the maximum local level. 

“This shows the arrogance of the school administration and the school board,” said Linda Schaich, a concerned citizen who has been vocally criticizing school spending in the past few months.

Florida statutes require a two-day public notice for hearings. Publishing the ad on Thursday was just enough time to make it legal, but still left many citizens viewing the short and unannounced undertaking as underhanded. The meeting is still not posted on the school board calendar and the district administrative offices were closed on Friday, adding to the confusion.

Christmas in July helps homeless families - Faith - Bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Dan Crumpler is going into his 38th year as a teacher and has seen them more and more.

Homeless students.

“We have children in schools who are sleeping in cars,” said the Braden River High School business teacher. “They don’t know where they’re going to bed tonight much less tomorrow. We have homeless kids. Every school does.”

Reaching out to them isn’t easy, either

“Nobody admits they are destitute,” he said.

Wanting to do something, Crumpler got fellow congregants at Northwest Baptist Church to assist school age students in the Salvation Army shelter.

They are among 16 children -- newborn through age 15 -- from six families, who will receive backpacks filled with school supplies as well as underwear, socks and such from the church’s Christmas in July celebration Sunday.

“Some of them come to the shelter with the clothes on their backs and little more,” Crumpler said.

Their mothers will receive toiletries.

It’s a welcome gesture, said Lynn Rosa, the shelter’s family lodge program manager.

One family has been at the shelter four months.

Two got there last week.

All became homeless for different reasons.

“Some lost jobs, boyfriends kicked them out, some opted out of difficult situations, some were living with family and the family has small quarters and can’t keep them,” Rosa said.

Sunday’s event should make a positive impact.

“It gladdens me because there are folks out there who can help us prepare the kids for school and put a smile on their face and especially mom’s face,” Rosa said. “They need that because they’re trying to get their lives back on track.

“It continues to show the children there are people who care as they try to get through this time of their lives.”

Which is the spirit of Christmas in July.

It’s what’s driven Sylvia Hafling as she coordinates the event and shops for it.

“We are told, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’” said the church clerk.

“We wanted to do something for them, make it ongoing and the response has been tremendous.”

Not just from the congregation but from local businesses, too.

The payoff is two-fold, Crumpler said.

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